After getting my tax return this year, I bit the bullet and got myself an iPad 2. But I got the iPad for a single reason: to play games. It really came down to finally upgrading my original Nintendo DS Fat or getting myself an iPad, and I went with the system that would let me play all the Ascension I wanted (and read comics).

If you’re unfamiliar with the game Ascension, it is a card game created by the former professional Magic player, Justin Gary. A card game that is essentially a cross between Magic and Dominion, you draft your deck while playing the game. For a complete rundown of the game, check out our reviews on both Chronicle of the Godslayer and Return of the Fallen as this review will also cover both of those games. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: ascension, ascension chronicle of the godslayer, ascension return of the fallen, game, gary games, ios, review

It’s hard to review a game like Dominion. The open endedness of it all means you can’t easily try out every single combination of cards, but the same is true for Magic the Gathering. But that doesn’t change the fact that Dominion Hinterlands came out and it is awesome. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: arena, Dominion, donald x vaccarino, game, Hinterlands, review, rio grande games

Whenever a set isn’t about gold or multicolor as a theme, the few and far between gold cards really help bring the set together. And Dark Ascension certainly does that – unless you happen to like Green-White. Well, then you better enjoy some artifacts and none of the lands either.

Dark Ascension Commander & Casual Review
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Land

Diregraf Captain

It took years, but Wizards seems to have realized lords are better when they’re easier to obtain. Making the shift so a bunch of them are uncommon is a genius move since it makes it so much easier for players to get a hold of them. But what I really like is that they are gold. Diregraf Captain is a great way to tie together black-blue zombies.

On the surface, this Captain reminds me a lot of Dralnu’s Crusade but it goes so much deeper. Having deathtouch makes him a pricey target to trade with in combat. Then he pumps everyone in a great way. And then Wizards gave him the ability to eat away at your opponents’ life totals! This is an amazing lord and I can’t wait to build some black-blue zombies. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: artifact, commander, dark ascension, edh, game, gold, land, magic: the gathering, multicolor, multiplayer, review

I don’t know why, but it seems like Dark Ascension is jammed packed full of green two-drops.  But the rest of the set provides some fascinating cards that green usually doesn’t get access to and I am very excited whenever green gets more card drawing.

Dark Ascension Commander & Casual Review
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Land

Briarpack Alpha

I remember when this card was called Briarhorn and it was a lot better. Still, it’s a neat combat trick. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: commander, dark ascension, edh, game, green, magic: the gathering, multiplayer, review

There is probably something wrong with me because I absolutely love playing mono-red in Commander. Sure, it’s probably the weakest color, but over the last few years a lot of new and unique spells have been added to the red mage’s arsenal. And then promptly taken by the nearest Izzet player.

Dark Ascension Commander & Casual Review
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Land

Afflicted Deserter & Werewolf Ransacker

The first round of werewolves in Innistrad didn’t wow me, but it seems like R&D has figured out what to do with them – make people do everything in their power not to flip them. Recursive removal is a great thing and Commander is the one format where there is almost always an artifact worth destroying.

But the politics of this card are amazing. If someone doesn’t cast a spell, an artifact gets destroyed. If a player wants to screw over someone else, they just need to cast two spells and suddenly it’s like a game of Hot Potato only someone ends up getting bolted. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: commander, dark ascension, edh, game, magic: the gathering, multiplayer, red, review

With a name like Dark Ascension, is it really a surprise to anyone that Black seems to get some of the best toys in this set?

Dark Ascension Commander & Casual Review
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Land

Black Cat

This card is adorable! Sure, I would have loved if it was more involved with luck (though the random discard is a nice touch). Most easily compared to Ravenous Rats, Black Cat isn’t a bad card but in multiplayer this kitten just doesn’t do enough. Unless you happen to have some great recursion engine… Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: black, commander, dark ascension, edh, game, magic: the gathering, multiplayer, review

I hate blue mages when they’re being predictable. Draw-Go may be one of my least favorite deck types ever, but even I can’t help but be excited when blue is given a bunch of odd toys to make wonky combo decks. Thankfully, Dark Ascension provides just that.

Dark Ascension Commander & Casual Review
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Land

Artful Dodge

This is a card I see having use two different ways. First, is any deck involving Kiln Fiend. He loves getting spells cast on him and loves being unblockable even more. This is a fine addition alongside Distortion Strike. The other way this can be used was brought to my attention by Mark Rosewater as an anti-werewolf measure. It’s not easy casting two spells in a single turn to transform a werewolf back to a human, but being able to pay UU to do it can be great. Personally, I would prefer Defy Gravity as it is an instant, but it is nice knowing the tools exist. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: blue, commander, dark ascension, edh, game, magic: the gathering, multiplayer, review

Now that Dark Ascension is fully spoiled, it is time to really look at the cards and try to find out where they work the best. If you’re looking for a captivating analysis of the Standard environment, this isn’t place. But if you want to find out how to make use of almost every card in Dark Ascension at the kitchen table or while editing your Commander deck, look no further! Following my own absurd precedence, I will be starting with white.

Dark Ascension Commander & Casual Review
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Land

Archangel’s Light

I don’t know why the first card of every set is often an odd one, but I’ve seen this happen before. There’s no denying that Archangel’s Light is the worst mythic in the set. Yes, this card can simultaneously help you against mill and beat down decks but the casting cost is way too high for it to ever get much use. If this card cost half as much, it might be okay but as it stands… I’m sorry for when you get this in a booster pack. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: commander, dark ascension, edh, game, magic: the gathering, multiplayer, review, white

There are few brands that I truly trust. I am fiercely loyal to King Arthur flour and would give LEGO a kidney if they asked, but in the realm of gaming there really isn’t anyone more trustworthy than Gabe and Tycho of Penny-Arcade. Sure, they have had a few missteps over the years like the whole Spider-Man 3 debacle (which honestly, none of us saw coming) or there was the whole thing with the Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness which ended when they finally admitted they’re much better commenting on games than making them.

But for those few mistakes, they usually lead you in the right direction. My love of Puzzle Quest? That was them, same with my adoration of Torchlight and Minecraft. And is there any better gaming experience than PAX itself?

So when Penny-Arcade said they were releasing their own card game, I immediately ordered a copy to see what it is all about. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: cryptozoic, game, gamers vs evil, penny-arcade the game, review